COVID-19 Resources for Massage Therapists

The Latest Information on COVID-19 and Massage

As we navigate the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis together, we’re committed to closely following updates and keeping everyone’s health top of mind. We’ll be updating this news page regularly to share the latest information and how it relates to the massage therapy profession.

Safely Moving Forward Together

Dear AMTA Family,

We realize the last several weeks have been incredibly challenging and that you have been coping with changes to your employment, education, and everyday life. It’s during tough times like these that our AMTA community matters more than ever. We have been working tirelessly to advocate for your needs during this crisis. And, as states begin the phasing process to reopen, we will be with you every step of the way.

We understand that many of you have questions about when and how you can begin practicing again. We want to assure you that AMTA’s Government Relations team is actively engaging with federal and state agencies for the most up-to-date decisions and orders that affect you and your massage therapy practice. And, we have been actively engaging with state agencies on what their reopen processes will look like, understanding they will be different region-to-region and state-to-state.

10 Important Considerations for Reopening

Knowing that every state will restart in its own way and will likely provide varying specifics for how and when you can begin to practice, here are 10 important considerations as you plan for when your state will allow you to begin seeing clients again.

1. Gain a full understanding of any new laws and ordinances at the local, state, and national levels and adjust your practices accordingly.

2. Institute thorough cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing protocols in your massage room as well as any communal areas and of any objects clients touch.

4. Think about your own use of Personal Protection Equipment (including masks, gloves, and clothing).

5. Practice proper handwashing and hygiene protocols.

6. Consider your booking practices and make any changes to allow for sanitization procedures and recognizing social distancing recommendations that may limit the number of people in one space. Evaluate your cancellation policy and protocols if a client shows signs of illness.

7. Implement an enhanced intake process and demonstrate your commitment to the health of your clients and yourself.

8. Minimize contact during check-ins and check out (make use of virtual tools).

9. If you work with other massage therapists or service providers, consider any necessary updates to your HR and staffing policies. If you are an employee, carefully review any guidelines you will need to follow.

10. Post signage in waiting rooms and common areas to emphasize social distancing, handwashing, and any protective equipment you expect your clients to use.

We encourage every massage therapist to use their best professional judgment about their ability to accept and care for clients in a way that follows their state, CDC and OSHA guidelines. And, we are working to get more concrete answers from healthcare experts, governments and massage therapy licensing boards and will be providing you with resources for protecting both yourself and your clients.

Your Liability Coverage

We also know many of you have questions about your liability insurance coverage when you begin to see clients again. As long as you are practicing legally and in accordance with federal, state and facility guidelines, your AMTA liability insurance will cover you as it always does.

Lastly, we continue to encourage you to check our COVID-19 webpage for the latest updates and guidance. We believe in our massage therapy community and our collective resilience, and we will navigate how to safely move forward together.

Your AMTA Team

Weekly State Updates

April 17, 2020 – 10am

AMTA’s Government Relations Team is engaging with regulators as we work to monitor federal, state and local government decisions and orders that could affect our practitioner, school and student members. We are reaching out to members in individual states as we receive new information on filing for unemployment through the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for self-employed and independent contractors.

As states begin the phasing process to reopen, we will keep you updated on those decisions and guidelines that might impact your practice. We continue to advocate for your needs as we navigate the uncertainty of this situation together.

Below is a summary of COVID-19 related state updates over the past week. Here is a full list of state updates and here is information on unemployment and other financial resources.

Alabama – The Alabama Department of Labor has opened processing of unemployment claims for self-employed workers and 1099-independent contractors affected by COVID-19 through federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

Alaska – The Governor has issued a Health Mandate that supersedes his previous orders and provides basic guidelines for non-essential healthcare providers who could resume practice on May 4, “for health care services that cannot be delayed beyond eight weeks without posing a significant risk to quality of life”.

California – The Labor Secretary announced the unemployment application process for self-employed workers and independent contractors affected by COVID-19 through federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will open approximately two weeks from April 14.

Idaho – The Director of the Department of Health and Welfare has extended the Governor’s stay at home order and issued a self-isolate order, effective through April 30.

Illinois – The Department of Employment Security has announced that independent contractors and self-employed persons should begin applying for unemployment benefits.

Minnesota – The Minnesota Unemployment insurance Program has opened processing of unemployment claims for self-employed workers and 1099-independent contractors affected by COVID-19 through federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

Michigan – The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has opened processing of unemployment claims for self-employed workers and 1099-independent contractors affected by COVID-19 through federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

New York – The New York Department of Labor has opened processing of unemployment claims for self-employed workers and 1099-independent contractors affected by COVID-19 through federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

New York – The Governor has updated his executive order related to non-essential businesses.

North Carolina – The Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has announced it will allow non-hands-on classes by massage therapy schools to be provided online.

Ohio – The Lt. Governor has announced that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) will soon launch an online tool that will allow self-employed workers and independent contractors affected by COVID-19 through federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to get in line early to file. The department expects to be able to begin processing the claims by May 15.

Weekly State Updates

April 10, 2020

As we navigate these unprecedented times together, AMTA’s Government Relations team is gathering information from states that have clarified the ability of massage therapists to continue practicing in specific situations. AMTA is committed to keeping you up to date on new developments related to massage and COVID-19 including the following updates made over the past ten days. See a full list of state updates here.

Alabama – The Governor issued a stay-at-home order, which restated her previous order that massage therapy establishments and massage services, spas, yoga facilities and fitness centers be closed.

California – The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) has stated that massage therapists should not be practicing during the pandemic, in accordance with the “Stay-at-Home order of the Governor.

Nebraska – The Governor has extended his stay-home-and-stay-safe order and issued closures of specific businesses in selected counties, with most extended through May 11. All massage therapy services in the state are directed to be closed through April 30.

New Mexico – The Governor extended her order to close certain businesses through April 30.

Pennsylvania – The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) has granted a temporary suspension of the State Board of Massage Therapy’s regulations and statutory provisions related to CPR certification.

Washington – The Department of Health has extended the date for massage license renewals during the period of April 1 and September 30 until September 30.

Unemployment Insurance Update

Guidance for Massage Therapists

April 8, 2020

AMTA is continuing to work with federal and state agencies regarding the CARES act, and how all massage therapists can tap into the new financial resources.

We understand that many of you have concerns about the unemployment portion of the federal stimulus package. Please visit our Financial Relief Resources page for updates on what we know about unemployment insurance at this time.

Financial Relief Resources

March 27, 2020

AMTA’s Government Relations team has been reaching out to federal, state and local governments about the need for financial assistance for all massage therapists. We will be updating the Financial Relief Resources page with these efforts, along with additional resources to help you navigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

AMTA Membership Dues Update

March 23, 2020

Effective immediately AMTA will no longer cancel memberships for non-payment through at least May 31, 2020. We ask those members that are still able to pay their membership dues to consider doing so, as this will enable AMTA to broaden this effort for those that are less fortunate during this crisis. AMTA is a community and you are AMTA. This is just one way we rally behind each other.

Top Resources For Information on COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) provide the latest recommendations for Coronavirus (COVID-19). AMTA advises that you check these resources regularly for important updates.

State Health Department COVID-19 Pages

As the novel coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the US, health departments have created state landing pages where you can go to get the latest information about the virus in your area. We also include state-based updates and mandates on closures, restrictions, and guidelines related to the massage therapy profession.

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

The National Certification Board has announced that all US and Canadian testing locations for the Board Certification exam are closed from March 18 through May 1. Click here for FAQs from the testing center, Prometric.

Support Economic Efforts To Help The Massage Therapy Industry, Severely Impacted By COVID-19

March 19, 2020

Please read the letter below in which we are asking all massage therapists, along with our industry and organizational partners, to take a moment and contact your individual U.S. representative and U.S. senators to express support for economic relief and aid for the massage therapy profession and small businesses, schools and independent contractors across the United States.

Dear AMTA Family,

The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us, including the massage industry. By now, many of you are facing a new reality that immediately affects your employment, education, and businesses. State and federal guidelines regarding closures and definitions of social distancing have been changing by the hour, and AMTA is committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information, guidance and advocating on your behalf.

AMTA is working with state and federal government/agencies to help, where we can, to minimize the short and long-term impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all in this together, so we are asking all massage therapists, along with our industry and organizational partners, to take a moment and contact your individual U.S. representative and U.S. senators to express support for economic relief and aid for the massage therapy profession and small businesses, schools and independent contractors across the United States.

Federal legislation has passed, and other legislation has been proposed and is being considered which would provide varying forms of relief and aid for self-employed/independent contractors and small businesses. We understand the hardships you, your families and your practices are experiencing as a result of COVID-19 and are striving to have the full massage therapy industry recognized in any possible legislative solutions.

Please join the industry in advocating for all massage therapists and our schools during these uncertain times and take action through clicking on the button below and submitting the following letter to your members of Congress.

Thank you for your support of massage therapy. Stay safe, stay healthy!

COVID-19 State-Based Updates and AMTA Advocacy Efforts

Updated April 17, 2020

The AMTA Government Relations Team has been reaching out to federal, state and local governments regarding clarification on laws, executive orders, and regulations that impact massage therapists during the COVID-19 crisis. We are also working to help champion continuing education and license renewal changes for all massage therapists. We will continue to update this section with any state-based changes to licensure and CE requirements.

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues, many State Health Departments have created COVID-19 information pages and those are included below, along with state-based mandates on closures, restrictions, and guidelines related to the massage therapy profession.

AlaskaMarch 16, 2020 – The state regulatory board urges MTs to include CDC guidelines when making decisions about client care and how, when, where, and if they choose to practice.March 24, 2020 – The Governor has ordered all massage therapy locations, day spas, Rolfing, Reiki, acupuncture, acupressure and similar services closed.April 16, 2020 – The Governor has issued a Health Mandate that supersedes his previous orders and provides basic guidelines for non-essential healthcare providers who could resume practice on May 4, “for health care services that cannot be delayed beyond eight weeks without posing a significant risk to quality of life.”

Flagstaff – The Mayor has ordered all gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios and similar facilities to be closed.

April 6, 2020 – The Governor has clarified his order of March 30 to specifically state that all spas and massage locations are to close.

ArkansasMarch 24, 2020 – The Governor has ordered all massage therapy establishments closed by March 25and the Arkansas Department of Health has stated that all 18 hours of required continuing education (CE) can be obtained through online courses and that license renewals can be deferred for 90 days past expiration without late fee penalties after the conclusion of the public health emergency.

CaliforniaMarch 19, 2020 -The Governor has issued a shelter in place order for most businesses in the state and has ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence. April 9, 2020 – The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) has stated that massage therapists should not be practicing during the pandemic, in accordance with the “Stay-at-Home” order of the Governor.

DelawareMarch 23, 2020 – The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities. April 7, 2020 – The Governor extended his State of Emergency order through at least May 15, specifically closing spas, gyms, yoga studios, fitness and similar facilities.

FloridaMarch 30, 2020 – The Florida Board of Massage Therapy will permit certain required hours of massage school education to be taught through distance learning. April 1, 2020 – The Governor has issued a “safer at home” order for people in high risk groups and encouraged social distancing. April 9, 2020 – The Governor ordered all licensed health care providers to cease performing elective services.

IllinoisMarch 20, 2020 – The Governor issued a stay at home order for the entire state through at least April 7, and ordered the closing of all non-essential businesses.April 1, 2020 – The Governor has extended the stay-at-home order to at least April 30. April 2, 2020 – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will permit massage therapy schools to offer on-line instruction for their lecture-based, non-hands-on courses from March 17, 2020 through July 31, 2020.

IndianaMarch 23, 2020 – The Governor has ordered all fitness and exercise gyms, spas, salons and similar facilities to close.

MassachusettsMarch 24, 2020 – The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.April 22, 2020 – The Division of Professional Licensure, Board of Registration of Massage Therapy announced that it will accept online interactive learning for initial massage therapist licensure requirements, except for 150 supervised classroom hours of massage theory and technique and 100 required hours of unpaid and supervised clinical or externship experience.

MississippiMarch 26, 2020 – The Mississippi State Department of Health has advised all non-essential healthcare providers to postpone appointments for a later date. The Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy has extended license renewals due to expire May 31, 2020 to August 27, 2020 with no late fee after May 31.April 2, 2020 – The Governor has ordered non-essential businesses to be closed, including spas, gyms, fitness centers and similar facilities.

MissouriMarch 31, 2020 – At this time, there is not a statewide mandate on closings, essential versus non-essential services or a stay-at-home order. The following cities/counties have issued restrictions that may affect massage therapists:

St. Louis – The Mayor has issued a stay-at-home order and the health commissioner has ordered massage locations, gyms and fitness centers to be closed.

Kansas City – The Mayor has issued a stay-at-home order and the city has provided FAQs on what the order covers.

NebraskaMarch 30, 2020 – The Governor has ordered closures of some businesses, including gyms, fitness centers and salons in specific counties. April 10 – The Governor has extended his stay-home-and-stay-safe order and issued closures of specific businesses in selected counties, with most extended through May 11. All massage therapy services in the state are directed to be closed through April 30.

NevadaMarch 25, 2020 – The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed. April 2, 2020 – The Governor has extended his order to close non-essential businesses through April 30, 2020.

North CarolinaMarch 16, 2020 – The state regulatory board has notified massage therapists that it will allow all CE classes to be taken online through December 2020.March 24, 2020 – The Governor has ordered all gyms, yoga studios and massage locations to close.April 15, 2020 – The Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has announced it will allow non-hands-on classes by massage therapy schools to be provided online.

North DakotaMarch 30, 2020 – Effective at 12:00 a.m., Saturday March 28, the Governor ordered all elective personal care services, including massage facilities and individual massage therapists to close and cease operations. The Governor’s order is to continue through Monday, April 6, 2020.

OklahomaMarch 25, 2020 – The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed. The Governor has also ordered that all occupational licenses (which includes massage therapy licenses) that expire during the emergency order are extended until 14 days after the end of his order.

OregonMarch 23, 2020 – The Governor has ordered medical spas, day spas, gyms, fitness studios and “non-medical massage therapy services” to close. April 6, 2020 – The Board of Massage Therapists has clarified medically-necessary massage as massage prescribed by a physician “for the health of the patient.”

PennsylvaniaMarch 23, 2020 – The Governor has approved suspending restrictions on distance-learning continuing-education requirements for massage therapists.April 2, 2020 – The Governor updated a previous stay-at-home order to apply to the whole state. April 9, 2020 – The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) has granted a temporary suspension of the State Board of Massage Therapy’s regulations and statutory provisions related to CPR certification.

Rhode IslandMarch 23, 2020 – The Governor has ordered all gymnasiums, fitness centers and similar exercise facilities and spas closed.April 7, 2020 – The Governor extended her stay-at-home order through at least April 13.

TexasMarch 20, 2020 – The state regulatory board will allow current licensed schools to offer distance education, but they will not satisfy requirements of hands-on curriculum. March 21, 2020 – The Governor has also ordered gyms, spas and massage therapy locations to close from March 20 – April 3.March 25, 2020 – The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation has waivedcontinuing education requirements for all licenses expiring in March, April and May 2020.April 1, 2020 – The Governor has renewed and expanded his previous order through April 30, 2020 including the closing of massage establishments and gyms.April 22, 2020 – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has clarified that a massage therapist may only provide massage services if it is medically necessary as determined by the client’s physician or chiropractor. Massage therapists may not provide massage services for general wellness or other non-medically necessary reasons.

UtahApril 1, 2020 – The Governor has encouraged social distancing and asked businesses to abide by CDC guidelines.April 7, 2020 – The following counties have issued restrictions that may affect massage therapists:

Davis County – The Health Department issued a stay safe, stay home order which includes a requirement for all massage establishments and spas to be closed.

Salt Lake County – The Mayor and County Health Department issued a stay home, stay safe order which requires all massage establishments and spas to be closed through at least April 13.

WyomingMarch 18, 2020 – The Wyoming Health Department has ordered all gyms to close through April 3.March 25, 2020 – The Department of Health has ordered all gyms to be closed.

COVID-19 Update

An Important Message From Your AMTA Board of Directors

March 17, 2020

These are certainly challenging and unprecedented times we’re facing, with many unknowns ahead. Every day the CDC and public health officials recommend or impose stricter guidance to lessen the spread of COVID-19. We are closely tracking the rapidly evolving guidelines with the aim of keeping our members up-to-date, and we recognize how unsettling this situation is for all of you.

Extreme measures have been taken across many countries, states, communities, businesses and professions to create social distancing in an effort to flatten the curve of infection.

Yesterday afternoon federal health officials announced a new initiative, 15 Days to Slow the Spread. The stated goal of this plan is to “get ahead” of the virus spreading and “flatten the curve” so hospital systems’ capacities are able to handle the expected number of infected individuals. The common thread is to create greater “social distance” between as many people as possible, regardless of current health status.

What do we all need to know?

COVID-19 can spread from person-to-person and from various surfaces and objects to a person.

The time between exposure and symptoms ranges from 2-14 days.

The virus is contagious prior to symptoms presenting.

The virus is spreading easily and sustainably in many communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Where do you fit as a massage therapist?

Unfortunately, how massage therapists fit in the ever-changing guidance is not always clear. Taking into account what is known about COVID-19 and the massive efforts and sacrifices being made by millions of people across the country to protect themselves, their families, their neighbors and strangers, we ask that every massage therapist evaluate their practice of massage and how it fits into these efforts and any direction given by national, state or local health officials.

AMTA does not have the authority to stop you from practicing massage, but firmly believes massage therapists should be part of the solution and do no harm. At this time, we believe the best way that therapists can contribute to the solution is by only practicing massage that is medically necessary and by supporting the recent federal guidelines as outlined in the 15 Days to Slow the Spread initiative thru at least March 31.

What makes our profession so amazing is its diversity. It is that same diversity that is making these decisions so difficult for therapists across the country. For those who choose to practice, please stay current with the constantly changing information from CDC, WHO and your local health officials.

Please know that we understand how difficult this decision is and the financial impact this may have on you. With that in mind, AMTA’s Government Relations Team is working to help champion unemployment benefits and Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance for massage therapists, and we’ll keep you abreast of those efforts in the days and weeks ahead.

Your health and the health of our community is our top priority. We’re here for you, and we will get through this tough time together. We are dedicated to updating you daily on this ever-changing situation and will continue to keep you informed on developments related to massage and COVID-19.

AMTA Events Update

April 7, 2020

During these challenging times, AMTA is working to keep everyone in the profession updated on the current information surrounding COVID-19. The health and wellness of our AMTA community is our top priority.

Based on the latest guidance from the CDC and other federal health officials we have decided to cancel all AMTA face-to-face meetings, classes, and gatherings through June 30th. We realize that AMTA national and chapter events are opportunities for our members to gather together and take continuing education or receive community support. However, to ensure the safety of our members, we have decided to cancel these in-person events.

AMTA’s Board of Directors has now approved amendments to bylaws and policy through emergency provisions set forth in Delaware Law. These temporary changes allow AMTA chapters to conduct their annual spring meetings online instead of in-person. Chapter elections may also be conducted in this manner (if applicable).

Additional details will be sent as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact your local chapter or you can reach out to chapterrelations@amtamassage.org.

AMTA is proactively monitoring the ever-changing landscape surrounding the COVID-19 crisis. As the situation unfolds, we will let you know if there are any changes to the status of our National Convention or future chapter events.

And, we will keep our AMTA community updated with the latest news and resources to help you through this uncertain time. We are all in this together.

Focus on Your Health and Safety

March 4, 2020

The health and wellness of our members and the clients you serve are the highest priority for AMTA. We know that many of our members, and others in the massage therapy profession, have concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and what precautions they need to take. The cold and flu season is also a good reminder that massage therapists should make sure they are practicing proper sanitation, hygiene and standard precautions at all times in their massage locations. Precautions protect both you and your clients.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention provides the latest information about the Coronavirus and prevention. An important first step is to check for regular updates on the CDC website.

For your personal protection, the CDC recommends that everyone follow these simple approaches to self-care:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. (It is a contraindication for you to provide massage is if a client has symptoms of a cold or the flu. This may be a good opportunity to look at your appointment cancellation policy.)

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using an appropriate cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if they are visibly dirty.